Start a Business: Ontario Works

Are you thinking of starting a small business? The Ontario Works program gives individuals in receipt of Ontario Works the opportunity to do so.

Sponsored by the Province of Ontario in partnership with Toronto Employment and Social Services (TESS), the Ontario Works Self-Employment Development Program (OWSED) is designed to assist individuals currently receiving social assistance support to start their own businesses. The program is designed to help clients start up and operate their businesses by providing valuable background on business planning, marketing, sales, financials and business operations. Participants complete a comprehensive business plan during the training phase of the program. On-going business advisory support is available as clients implement their business plan.

To participate in the program you will need to:
– attend an information session
– provide information about your business idea
– meet Ontario Works requirements.

For more information about the OWSED Program or to sign up for an upcoming information session, please call TBDC’s OWSED Program Coordinator at (416) 345-9437, ext. 231. You can also send inquiries to owsed@tbdc.com.